U.S. patent application number 10/775427 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-11 for toy water gun with detachable weapons.
Invention is credited to Brown, Robert L., Eddins, Fred D..
Application Number | 20050173452 10/775427 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34827198 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050173452 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown, Robert L. ; et
al. |
August 11, 2005 |
Toy water gun with detachable weapons
Abstract
A toy water gun system includes a primary water gun having a
housing, a pressurizable reservoir, an outlet nozzle in flow
communication with the reservoir, and an actuating trigger, with
the primary toy water gun adapted to discharge an output stream of
water through the outlet nozzle in response to actuation of the
trigger. The housing includes a first receiving area and a second
receiving area, with each receiving area having an output port in
flow communication with the reservoir via a conduit, a pair of
valves to control flow through the conduits. A first detachable
water toy mounts to the housing at the first receiving area and
receives water from the reservoir, and a second detachable water
toy mounts to the housing at the second receiving area. The first
and second detachable water toys are selectively removable from the
primary water toy for use.
Inventors: |
Brown, Robert L.; (North
Kingstown, RI) ; Eddins, Fred D.; (Mapleville,
RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
233 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 6300
SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
34827198 |
Appl. No.: |
10/775427 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/681 20130101;
F41B 9/0012 20130101; F41B 9/0078 20130101; F41B 11/89 20130101;
F41B 9/0018 20130101; F41B 9/0071 20130101; F41B 9/0028
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/079 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/18 |
Claims
1. An applicator for attaching fasteners to body tissue comprising:
a distal portion having an elongate outer tube, a connecting end
and a terminal end; a proximal portion having a handle and an
actuator, the proximal portion being attached to the connecting end
of the distal portion; and a rotator cooperating with the actuator
and including a longitudinal groove extending along at least a
portion of the length of the rotator, the groove configured to
receive a portion of a fastener, wherein the rotator resides within
and extends substantially the length of the outer tube such that
actuation of the actuator rotates the fastener relative to the
outer tube.
2. The applicator of claim 1 further comprising: a lock/clip
indicator for engaging the plurality of fasteners; and a load
spring for applying longitudinal forces against the lock/clip
indicator.
3. The applicator of claim 2, wherein the lock/clip indicator is
configured to prevent actuation of the actuator upon discharge of
the plurality of fasteners from the applicator.
4. The applicator of claim 1 further comprising: a thread form
contained in an interior of the terminal end adapted to engage the
plurality of fasteners.
5. The applicator of claim 4, wherein the thread form is an
interlock spring fixedly retained in the interior of the terminal
end.
6. The applicator of claim 1 further comprising: a nose piece
attached to the terminal end, the nose piece having structure
projecting perpendicularly toward a longitudinal axis of the outer
tube and adapted to engage the plurality of fasteners.
7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the distal portion and the
proximal portion are releasably secured together.
8. The applicator of claim 7, wherein the distal portion is
disposable and the proximal portion is reusable.
9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes: a
lever having a first end and a second end, the lever pivotally
attached about a midpoint to the handle; the first end of the lever
for gripping by hand; a lead screw rotatably attached to an
interior of the handle; a nut driver, the second end of the lever
pivotally attached to the nut driver, the nut driver for traveling
along the lead screw, thereby turning the lead screw; and the lead
screw attached to the rotator so that as the lever is depressed by
hand the nut driver will travel along the lead screw towards the
rotator thereby turning the rotator in the process.
10. The applicator of claim 9, wherein the lead screw is a high
helix lead screw.
11. The applicator of claim 9, wherein the lever has a midsection
extension.
12. The applicator of claim 11, further comprising gear teeth
formed within the interior of the handle.
13. The applicator of claim 12, further comprising a spring loaded
pawl pivotally attached to the midsection extension and adapted to
engage the gear teeth.
14. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes: a
lever having a first end, a midsection, and a second end, the first
end pivotally attached to the handle, the midsection for gripping
by hand; a lead screw rotatably attached to an interior of the
handle; a nut driver, the second end pivotally attached to the nut
driver, the nut driver for traveling along the lead screw, thereby
turning the lead screw; and means for the lead screw to releasably
engage the rotator so that as the lever is depressed by hand, the
nut driver will travel along the lead screw toward the rotator
thereby turning the rotator in the process and so that when the
lever is returned to its undepressed position, the lead screw will
rotate in the reverse direction and independently of the rotator
which remains stationary.
15. The applicator of claim 14, wherein the lead screw is a high
helix lead screw.
16. The applicator of claim 14, wherein the releasable engagement
means is a ratchet mechanism.
17. The applicator of claim 14, wherein the lever has a mid-section
extension, formed in the mid-section extension are a plurality of
teeth.
18. The application of claim 17, further comprising a latch pawl
cooperating with the teeth to prohibit the lever from backstroking
until it has been completely depressed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a toy water
squirt gun and, more particularly, to a pressurized toy water
squirt gun having a primary squirt gun and one or more detachable
water weapons.
[0002] Pressurized squirt guns that eject water from a pressurized
reservoir are generally known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,074,437 to D'Andrade et al. discloses a toy water gun that
operates by releasing water from a water reservoir that is
pressurized by air. The reservoir is pressurized using a manually
operated air pump. When a trigger is operated, water is released
under pressure from the reservoir through an outlet nozzle.
[0003] A number of additional water-based toy guns or other
water-based toy weapons exist in the prior art. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,854,480 to Shindo discloses a squirt gun having a hollow
housing and having an expandable rubber tube disposed within the
hollow housing. A trigger squeezes or pinches a portion of the
rubber tube against the housing to close off an outlet nozzle.
Pressurized water is released from the rubber tube upon rotating
the trigger, which releases the squeezed portion of the tube so
that water may be dispensed from the outlet nozzle. Another
water-based toy weapon can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,225 to
Hix, which discloses a toy water grenade. A housing includes a
fluid chamber surrounded by a pneumatic chamber. A piston member is
arranged for sliding movement along the reservoir chamber upon
release of a pin. Upon movement of the piston, exit ports are
exposed and water is expelled from the fluid chamber.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a toy water gun
system comprising a primary water gun having a housing, a
pressurizable reservoir, an outlet nozzle in flow communication
with the reservoir, and an actuating trigger, with the primary toy
water gun adapted to discharge an output stream of water through
the outlet nozzle in response to actuation of the trigger. The
housing of the primary water gun includes a first receiving area
and a second receiving area, each of the first and second receiving
areas having an output port, the output port of the first receiving
area in flow communication with the reservoir via a first conduit,
the output port of the second receiving area in flow communication
with the reservoir via a second conduit. A first valve is
positioned to control flow through the first conduit, and a second
valve is positioned to control flow through the second conduit. A
first detachable water toy is sized for mounting to the housing at
the first receiving area and is arranged to receive water from the
reservoir via the output port of the first receiving area in
response to operation of the first valve. A second detachable water
toy is sized for mounting to the housing at the second receiving
area and is arranged to receive water from the reservoir via the
output port of the second receiving area in response to operation
of the second valve. The first and second detachable water toys are
selectively removable from the primary water gun for use.
[0005] In further accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first
detachable water toy includes a pressurizable reservoir, an outlet
nozzle in communication with the reservoir, and an actuating
trigger, with the first detachable water toy adapted to discharge
an output stream of water through the outlet nozzle of the first
detachable water toy in response to actuation of the trigger of the
first detachable water toy. The first receiving area may include a
spring-loaded plunger positioned to releasably retained the first
detachable water toy in the first receiving area. Still preferably,
the first detachable water toy includes an inlet port positioned to
receive water from the output port of the first receiving area, and
the spring-loaded plunger is adapted to maintain the inlet port of
the first water toy in flow communication with the output port of
the first receiving area when the first detectable water toy is
disposed in the first receiving area.
[0006] The second detachable water toy may comprise a sponge, and
the sponge may be throwable. Preferably, the second receiving area
may include a first panel disposed adjacent the output port of the
first receiving area and a second panel spaced away from the first
panel, with the first and second panels cooperating to releasably
retain the second detachable water toy in the second receiving
area. The first and second panels may be shaped to correspond to
the shape of the second detachable water toy.
[0007] The first and second valves may be spring-loaded, and the
trigger of the primary water gun may be slidably mounted to the
housing. The primary water gun may include a primary valve disposed
adjacent the outlet nozzle, the primary valve operatively connected
to trigger by a connecting rod.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a primary water gun
includes a housing, a reservoir, an outlet nozzle in flow
communication with the reservoir, an actuating trigger, and an
outlet valve disposed adjacent the outlet nozzle and responsive to
actuation of the trigger, with the primary toy water gun adapted to
discharge an output stream of water through the outlet nozzle in
response to actuation of the trigger. The housing of the primary
water gun further includes a first receiving area and a second
receiving area, with each of the first and second receiving areas
having an output port. The output port of the first receiving area
is in flow communication with the reservoir via a first conduit,
and the output port of the second receiving area is in flow
communication with the reservoir via a second conduit. A first
valve is positioned to control flow through the first conduit, and
a second valve is positioned to control flow through the second
conduit. A first detachable water toy is removably attached to the
first receiving area and includes an expandable bladder, a nozzle
in communication with the bladder, and an actuating trigger, with
the first detachable water toy adapted to discharge an output
stream of water through the nozzle in response to actuation of the
trigger. The bladder of the first detachable water toy is arranged
to receive water through the nozzle from the reservoir of the
primary water gun via the output port of the first receiving area
in response to operation of the first valve. A second detachable
water toy is removably attached to the second receiving area, with
the second detachable water toy arranged to receive water from the
reservoir via the output port of the second receiving area in
response to operation of the second valve. Accordingly, the first
and second detachable water toys are selectively removable from the
primary water gun for use.
[0009] In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention,
a toy water gun system includes a primary water gun having a
housing, a reservoir, an outlet nozzle in flow communication with
the reservoir, an actuating trigger, and an outlet valve disposed
adjacent the outlet nozzle and responsive to actuation of the
trigger. The primary water gun is adapted to discharge an output
stream of water through the outlet nozzle in response to actuation
of the trigger. The outlet valve includes a trip mechanism
shiftable between a first position in which flow through the outlet
nozzle is prevented, a second position in which flow through the
outlet nozzle is permitted, and a third position different from the
first position in which flow through the outlet nozzle is
prevented, with the trip mechanism being shiftable between the
first, second and third positions in response to movement of the
trigger between a first position, a second position, and a third
position, respectively. The housing of the primary water gun
further includes a first receiving area and a second receiving
area, each of the first and second receiving areas having an output
port, the output port of the first receiving area in flow
communication with the reservoir via a first conduit, the output
port of the second receiving area in flow communication with the
reservoir via a second conduit. A first valve is positioned to
control flow through the first conduit, and a second valve is
positioned to control flow through the second conduit. A first
detachable water toy is removably attached to the first receiving
area and includes an expandable bladder, a nozzle in communication
with the bladder, and an actuating trigger, with the first
detachable water toy adapted to discharge an output stream of water
through the nozzle in response to actuation of the trigger. The
bladder of the first detachable water toy is arranged to receive
water through the nozzle from the reservoir of the primary water
gun via the output port of the first receiving area in response to
operation of the first valve. A spring-loaded plunger is positioned
to bias at least a portion of the first detachable water toy into
engagement with the housing. A second detachable water toy is
removably attached to the second receiving area, the second
detachable water toy arranged to receive water from the reservoir
via the output port of the second receiving area in response to
operation of the second valve. The first and second detachable
water toys are selectively removable from the primary water gun for
use.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect in the invention, a
toy gun system comprises a primary toy gun having a housing, a
pressurizable reservoir, a launch station in flow communication
with the reservoir, an actuating trigger, and an actuator arranged
to release pressure from the reservoir through the launch station,
the launch station adapted to hold and release a foam projectile in
response to actuation of the actuator. The housing of the primary
toy gun further includes a receiving area, the receiving area
having an output port in flow communication with the reservoir via
a conduit. A valve is positioned to control flow through the first
conduit, and a detachable toy gun is removably attached to the
first receiving area. The detachable toy gun includes a
pressurizable reservoir, a launch station in flow communication
with the reservoir, and an actuator arranged to release pressure
from the reservoir through the launch station. The launch station
is adapted to hold and release a foam projectile in response to
actuation of the actuator. The detachable toy including an input
port arranged to route pressure from the output port of the
receiving are to the reservoir of the detachable toy gun. The
detachable toy is selectively operable to launch the foam
projectile when the detachable toy is in the receiving area and
when the detachable toy is removed from the receiving area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy water gun system
assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a partial cut away view in perspective of the toy
water gun system of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a partial cut away elevational view of the toy
water gun system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of a
forward portion of the primary water toy and illustrating a first
detachable water toy;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective
similar to FIG. 3 and showing a spring-loaded plunger disposed
within a portion of the housing;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective
similar to FIG. 4 and illustrating one possible manner by which the
first detachable water toy may be removed from the primary water
toy;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective
illustrating the second detectable water toy disposed in the second
receiving area;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective
similar to FIG. 6 and illustrating the second detachable water toy
being removed from the second receiving area;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom plan view of a trip
valve mechanism illustrated in a first position;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom plan view similar
to FIG. 8 and illustrating the trip valve mechanism in a second
position;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom plan view similar
to FIGS. 8 and 9 and illustrating the trip valve mechanism in a
third position;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an enlarged elevational view, partly in cutaway,
of the first detachable water toy;
[0023] FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of
the interior of the first detachable water toy; and
[0024] FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view
illustrating various elements of the reservoir pressurizing
mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it should
be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by
the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The
detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does
not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since
describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not
impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,
using either current technology or technology developed after the
filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope
of the claims defining the invention.
[0026] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this
patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that
any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is
referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single
meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse
the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited,
by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally,
unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word "means" and
a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended
that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the
application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth paragraph.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B of the drawings, a toy
water gun system assembled in accordance with the teachings of the
present convention is shown and is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 10. The toy water gun system 10 includes a
primary water gun 12 having a housing 14 and a reservoir 16
disposed within or otherwise attached or mounted to the housing 14.
The reservoir 16 is visible in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Alternatively, the
housing 14 may take the form of a frame, or any other suitable
structure. The reservoir 16, in accordance with the disclosed
example, is preferably pressurizable as will be explained in
greater detail below. Also, the primary water gun may include a
separate reservoir 17 operatively connected to the reservoir 16 via
a system of conduits or other suitable connections as will be
described in greater detail below. The reservoir 17 includes a fill
cap 19, which is preferably removable to permit filling of the toy
gun 12. Other suitable systems of the type known in the art for
filling the toy gun may be used, such as those systems that permit
the toy gun 12 to be filled by connection to a garden hose.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the primary water gun includes
an outlet nozzle 18 in flow communication with the reservoir 16 via
a conduit 20. A valve assembly 22 is disposed adjacent the outlet
nozzle 18 and is operatively connected to a trigger 24 via a
linkage 26. As will be explained in greater detail below, when the
reservoir 16 is pressurized the primary water gun 12 will eject or
shoot a stream of water the from the outlet nozzle 18 in response
to operation of the trigger 24.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, the housing 14 includes a first
receiving area 28 and a second receiving area 30. As shown in FIG.
2A, the first receiving area 28 is in flow communication with the
reservoir 16 via a conduit 32. The conduit 32 includes an output
port 34, and a valve 36 having a switch or handle 38. The valve 36
may be a rotary valve or any other suitable valve. Preferably, a
rotary spring 40 is provided adjacent the handle 38 in order to
maintain the valve 36 in a closed position.
[0030] Similarly, the second receiving area 30 is in flow
communication with the reservoir 16 via a conduit 42. The conduit
42 includes an output port 44, and a valve 46 having a switch or
handle 48. Again, the valve 46 may be a rotary valve or any other
suitable valve. Preferably, a rotary spring 50 is provided adjacent
to the handle 48 in order to maintain the valve 46 in a closed
position. It will be understood that, upon operation of the valve
36 using the handle 38, that output port 34 may be placed in flow
communication with the reservoir 16 via the conduit 32. Similarly,
it will be understood that upon operation of the valve 46 using the
handle 48, that the output port 44 may be placed in flow
communication with the reservoir 16 via the conduit 42.
[0031] The toy water gun system 10 further includes a first
detachable water toy 52 and a second detachable water toy 54. The
first detachable water toy 52, in accordance with the disclosed
example, takes the form of a water pistol. The water toy 52 is
preferably sized to be releasably mounted to the first receiving
area 28 of the primary water gun 12. Similarly, the water toy 54 is
preferably sized to be releasably mounted to the second receiving
area 30 of the primary water gun 12. The second water toy 54, in
accordance with the disclosed example, preferably is constructed of
an absorbent material, such as a sponge 56 covered by a water
permeable cover 58. Alternatively, both water toys 52 and 54 may be
water pistols, both may be absorbent sponges, or one or both may
take the form of any other suitable water toy.
[0032] The first water toy 52 includes a nozzle 60 (best visible in
FIGS. 2A, 5 and 11-12) and an internal reservoir 62 (FIGS. 11 and
12) in flow communication with the nozzle 60. As shown in FIG. 2A,
when the water toy 52 is disposed in the first receiving area 28,
the nozzle 60 is positioned for flow communication with the output
port 34 of the first receiving area 28. Similarly, when the second
water toy 54 is disposed in the second receiving area 30, the
second water toy (i.e., the sponge 56), is positioned so as to be
in flow communication with, or otherwise exposed to, the output
port 44 of the second receiving area 30.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the reservoir 16 of the
primary water gun 12 may be a pressurized toy water squirt gun
having a self-contained pressurizing mechanism 64 for pressurizing
the reservoir 16 with air, thereby creating a pressure differential
between the reservoir 16 and the ambient atmosphere so that water
contained in the reservoir 16 may be propelled from the primary toy
water gun 12 through the outlet nozzle 18 when the user pulls the
trigger 24. The pressurizing mechanism 64 includes a reciprocating
pump handle 66, a pair of one way valves 67 and 69, and an over
pressure valve 71. As will be explained in greater detail below, in
response to operation of the pressurizing mechanism 64 using the
handle 66, water contained in the reservoir 17 will be transferred
into the reservoir 16. One example of a toy water gun having a
pressurizing mechanism for propelling water from a pressurizeable
reservoir is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,919,
entitled "Pinch Trigger Hand Pump Water Gun with Non-Detachable
Tank," which issued on Apr. 26, 1994, and which is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Of course, other
configurations of toy water guns having pressurizing mechanisms for
propelling water are well known and will be understood by those
skilled in the art.
[0034] Referring still to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the valve assembly 22 is
disposed within the housing 14 generally adjacent to a forward end
68 of the primary water gun 12. The trigger 24 is preferably
slidable on a track 70 disposed within a trigger guard 72 generally
adjacent to a rearward end 74 of the primary water gun 12. A
portion of the trigger guard 72 may also form a handle for gripping
the primary water gun 12, with another handle preferably being
provided toward a forward portion of the gun at any suitable
location. Instead of a reciprocating trigger, the trigger 24 may be
a pivoting trigger or any other trigger suitable for activating the
valve assembly 22. The linkage 26 includes a first rod 76 connected
to a forward end of the trigger 24, a second rod 78 connected to
the valve assembly 22, and a sliding tube 80 operatively connecting
the first rod 76 to the second rod 78. The linkage 26 may join the
trigger 24 to the valve assembly 22 in any other suitable manner.
In the disclosed example, the sliding tube 80 fits over one of the
internal conduits of the pressurizing mechanism 64 so as to guide
the sliding tube 80 along a generally linear path in response to
operation of the trigger 24. In the disclosed example, the tube 80
includes a pair of spaced apart extensions 82a and 82b which meet
at a top end 83. A rear end 78a of the rod 78 is attached to the
top end 83 of the tube 80. In the disclosed example, the tube 80
straddles another one of the internal conduits, such that the tube
80 slides back and forth without interference from the internal
components of the primary water gun 12. Accordingly, operation of
the trigger 24 is translated into generally linear movement of the
rods 76 and 78 and the tube 80, such that the valve assembly 22 is
actuated in response to actuating the trigger 24.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the first water toy 52 is shown
disposed in the first receiving area 28. The first receiving area
28 preferably includes a spring-loaded plunger 29 which engages a
recess 31 defined in a rearward part 33 of the first water toy 52.
As can be seen in FIG. 15, a forward part 35 of the first water toy
52 and/or a tip of the water toy 52 is preferably shaped to be
received in a recess 37 defined in the first receiving area 28
generally surrounding or otherwise adjacent to the output port 34
of the first receiving area 28.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, in accordance with the disclosed
example the second receiving area 30 includes a pair of spaced
apart panels 39 and 41. The panels 39 and 41 are connected by an
arm 43, such that a space 45 is defined between the panels 39 and
41. As can be seen in FIG. 6, when the second water toy 54 is
disposed in the second receiving area 30, the second water toy 54
is disposed between the panels 39 and 41. Preferably, the panels 39
and 41 may be curved or otherwise shaped so as to correspond to or
generally complement the shape of the second water toy 54.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the valve assembly 22
(the underside of which is shown) may include a trip assembly 84
which is operatively connected to the trigger 24 via the linkage
26. The trip assembly 84 controls the actuation of the valve
assembly 22 and enables the user to shoot water as desired. The
trip assembly 84 includes a pivot plate 86 which pivots about a
pivot point 86a. A forward end 78b of the rod 78 is attached to the
pivot plate 86. The pivot plate 86 includes a slot 88 having a pair
of ends 88a and 88b, and a stop screw 90 is mounted so as to extend
through the slot 88. A lever 92 is operatively connected to a
conventional rotary valve 94 disposed within the valve assembly 22,
and the lever 92 is pivotable about a pivot point 92a. The lever 92
is connected to the plate 86 by a link arm 96 which fits within a
slot 98 in the pivot plate 86. The slot 98 includes a pair of ends
98a and 98b. A spring 100 is connected to the pivot plate 86 at
100a and to the lever 92 at 100b. When the plate 86 and the lever
92 are positioned as shown in FIG. 8, the rotary valve 94 is off,
such that no water will be ejected from the outlet nozzle 18.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 9, when the trigger 24 is retracted
(to the left when viewing FIG. 9) from an initial position shown in
FIG. 8 to an intermediate position of FIG. 9, the rod 78 pulls on
the pivot plate 86, causing the pivot plate 86 to shift in a
generally clockwise direction about the pivot 86a. In the process,
the end 88b of the link arm 96 pulls the lever 92, causing the
lever 92 to rotate in a generally counterclockwise direction about
the pivot point 92a, thus opening the rotary valve 94 such that
water may be ejected from the nozzle 18.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 10, when the trigger 24 is displaced
sufficiently to the left to a fully retracted position as shown in
FIG. 10, the pivot plate 86 may pivot sufficiently far that the
stop screw 90 comes into contact with the end 88b of the slot 88.
Eventually, the spring with 100 will pass the pivot 92a, which
causes the spring 100 to apply a further biasing force to the lever
92, thereby causing the lever 92 to rotate more rapidly in the
counter-clockwise direction about the pivot point 92a. The link arm
96 may come into contact with the end 98a of the slot 98, thus
limiting the rotational movement of the lever 92. The valve 94 may
be arranged such that the valve is turned fully on when the lever
92 is rotated far enough. Releasing the trigger 24 will permit the
trip assembly 84 to return to the position of FIG. 8.
[0040] Consequently, in accordance with the disclosed example, the
trip assembly 84 serves to define three possible positions for the
rotary valve 94. These positions include a first position shown in
FIG. 8 (in which the rotary valve 94 is closed), a second position
shown in FIG. 9 (in which the rotary valve 94 is in a partially
open position), and a third position shown in FIG. 10 (in which the
rotary valve 94 is in a fully open position). Other configurations
may be chosen, including by way of example rather than limitation,
a closed position and one or more open positions for the rotary
valve 94. As a still further alternative, the toy water gun 12 may
simply be provided with a more conventional valve at the outlet
nozzle 18 of the type that is commonly employed in toy water guns.
Additional description of the valve 22 and/or the trip assembly 84
can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,830, entitled "Snap Action Ball
Valve Assembly and Liquid Dispenser Using the Same", the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first detachable water
toy 52 is shown therein in greater detail. In accordance with the
disclosed example, the first water toy 52 preferably includes a
spring-loaded check valve 102 disposed generally adjacent to the
forward end 35 of the water toy 52. It will be understood that a
tip 104 of the nozzle 60 may be placed in flow communication with
the output port 34 of the first receiving area 28 such that water
flowing through the conduit 32 may be routed into the reservoir 62
of the water toy 52 upon operation of the rotary valve 36 as will
be explained in greater detail below. It will further be understood
that the tip 104 reciprocates to the left and the right when
viewing FIG. 12, such that the check valve 102 can be opened or
closed. When tip 104 is shifted toward the left when viewing FIG.
12, such as when the water toy 52 is disposed in the receiving area
28, the check valve 102 is open such that water under pressure may
flow into the reservoir 60. Alternatively, the check valve 102 may
be arranged such that the check valve 102 opens in response to the
pressure when the reservoir 16 is pressurized and the valve 36 is
opened to route pressurized water through the port 34 and into the
nozzle 60 and hence into the reservoir 62. A trigger 106 is
provided and is operatively connected to the check valve 102, such
that the water toy 52 may be operated by opening and closing the
check valve 102 using the trigger 106.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 13, the fluid flow path of the primary
water gun 12 will be described in greater detail. The fill cap 19
of the second reservoir 17 may be removed such that water or any
other suitable fluid may be placed in the second reservoir 17. The
second reservoir 17 is connected to a one-way valve 108 by a
conduit 110. The pressurizing mechanism 64 includes a plunger 112,
which reciprocates within a tubular conduit 114 upon reciprocal
operation of the handle 66. Another one-way valve 116 is provided,
and is connected to the first one-way valve 108 by a conduit 118.
The one-way valve 116 is also connected to the reservoir 16 by a
conduit 120. An overpressure valve 122 is preferably provided, with
the overpressure valve 122 in flow communication with both the
conduits 110 and 118. The overpressure valve limits the maximum
pressure within the reservoir 16.
[0043] To operate the pressurizing mechanism 64, a user (not
shown), grips the handle 66 and slides the handle 66 generally to
the right when viewing FIG. 13 to create a vacuum in the conduit
114. The vacuum acting on the one-way valve 108 opens the valve 108
and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir 17 into the conduit
114. When the handle 66 is pushed to the left, the valve 108 closes
and the water contained within the conduit 114 is forced through
the conduit 118, through the one-way valve 116, and into the
reservoir 16 via the conduit 120. Consequently, the internal
conduits, including the conduit 120 leading to the reservoir 16 as
well as the conduits 32 and 42 leading to the first and second
receiving areas 28, 30, respectively, all get filled with water.
Additional water may be pumped into the reservoir 16 upon repeated
actuation of the handle 66, such that any air within the reservoir
16 applies pressure to all of the water contained in the
pressurized part of the system. The overpressure valve 122 prevents
too much pressure buildup in the pressurizing mechanism 64 by
routing water back into the conduit 110 and hence back into the
reservoir 17.
[0044] When a user desires to operate the toy water gun system 10,
the user may choose between the three water toys shown. Using the
pressurizing mechanism 64 as described above, the appropriate
pressure head is applied by reciprocating the handle 66 and forcing
water into the system until the reservoir 16 is suitably
pressurized. In the event the user wishes to eject water from the
outlet nozzle 18 of the primary water gun 12, the user simply
actuates the trigger 24 as described above.
[0045] The user may also desire to detach and use a selected one of
the detachable water toys 52 and/or 54. In a preferred mode of
operation, the user will first suitably pressurize the reservoir 16
using the pressurizing mechanism 64 as described above. In the
event the user desires to operate the second water toy 54, the user
manipulates the spring-loaded valve 46 disposed generally adjacent
to the second receiving area 30, which allows pressurized water
contained within the conduit 42 to flow out of the output port 44
and into the second water toy 54, thus soaking the second water toy
54. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the user then releases the handle 48
of the valve 46, such that the rotary spring 50 returns the valve
46 to a closed position. The user then removes the soaked second
detachable water toy 54 from the second receiving area 30, and may
then throw the second detachable water toy 54 or otherwise use the
toy in any desired manner.
[0046] When the user desires to use the first water toy 52, the
first detachable water toy 52 should be placed in the first
receiving area 28, with the plunger 29 engaging the recess 31 on
the rearward end 33 of the first detachable water toy 52, and with
the forward end 35 disposed in the recess 37. Accordingly, the
plunger 29 serves to bias the second detachable water toy 52
forwardly, such that the forward end 35 is pressed into the recess
37 so that the toy 54 may be suitably retained in the first
receiving area 28. It will be noted that the nozzle 60 of the first
detachable water toy 52 will be in flow communication with the
output port 34 of the conduit 32. Further, when the forward end 35
of the first detachable water toy 52 is in contact with the recess
37 under the biasing force of the plunger 29, the check valve will
permit flow communication between the output port 34, the nozzle
60, and the reservoir 62. When the user desires to fill the
reservoir 62, assuming the reservoir 16 has been suitably
pressurized using the pressurizing mechanism 64 as described above,
the user simply manipulates the handle 38 so as to open the valve
36, which routes pressurized water through the output port 34 of
the first receiving area 28, through the nozzle 60 of the first
detachable water toy 52, and into the reservoir 62 contained within
the first detachable water toy 52. When a quantity of pressurized
water is contained within the reservoir 62, the user closes the
rotary valve 36 by simply releasing the handle 38. The first
detachable water toy 52 is then ready to be removed from the first
receiving area 28 in order to be used.
[0047] When the user desires to use the first detachable water toy
52, the user may rotate the first detachable water toy 52 from the
position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 toward the position illustrated in
FIG. 5, such that the user can grasp a handle portion of the first
detachable water toy 52. The first detachable water toy 52 may then
be pushed forwardly by the user so as to disengage the plunger 29
from the recess 31, thus permitting the water toy 52 to be removed
from the first receiving area 28 by pulling the rearward end of the
water toy 52 away from the housing 14. The water toy 52 may then be
operated using the trigger 106 which opens the check valve 102,
such that pressurized water contained within the reservoir 62 may
be suitably ejected from the nozzle 60.
[0048] It will be understood that the toy water gun system 10 may
include additional or fewer detachable water toys as desired. The
number and location of the internal conduits may be readily
adaptable to route pressurized water to the desired number of
detachable water toys. It will also be understood that the water
toy 52 may be suitably adapted to be fired while still attached to
the primary water gun 12 at the first receiving station 28. For
example, the water toy 52 may include one port for filling the
reservoir inside the water toy 52, and a separate port or outlet
nozzle to be used when firing the water toy 52 in a conventional
manner.
[0049] The teachings of the present invention may also be applied
to an air-operated toy gun system, in which a primary toy gun
and/or one or more of the detachable toys are air-operated and are
arranged to shoot, by way of example rather than limitation, soft
foam projectiles using a blast of compressed air. In the event the
toy gun system is arranged for air operation, each of the toy guns
(i.e., the primary toy gun, the first detachable toy gun and the
second detachable toy gun) each may be provided with a suitable
launching station of type that receives and holds a soft foam
projectile in preparation for launch. Further, one or more of the
toy guns may include an air tank that may be pressurized to hold
compressed air for launching the projectiles. One example of a toy
gun having an air tank that may be pressurized to launch foam
projectiles is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,515,837, entitled "Safety Nozzle for Multi-Shot Projectile
Shooting Air Gun" which issued on May 14, 1996, and which is hereby
expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0050] When such a toy gun system is provided, it will be
understood that the above-described internal conduits will route
pressurized air to the appropriate output ports at their
corresponding receiving areas, such that an air-operated detachable
toy gun disposed in an appropriate one of the receiving areas may
be pressurized via the output port at that receiving area using a
corresponding one of the valves. Additionally, and air-operated toy
gun disposed in one of the receiving areas may be arranged to be
fired while still disposed in one of the receiving areas. In such
an exemplary form, the air operated toy gun may be pressurized
through and inlet port on the toy gun, and may include a second
outlet port disposed adjacent a launching station of the foam
projectile. A one way valve responsive to air pressure may be
provided such that the detachable air-operated toy gun may be
automatically pressurized when the primary toy gun is pressurized.
The projectile of the detachable toy gun may be launched using a
trigger attached to the detachable toy gun, or by actuating the
trigger on the primary toy gun.
[0051] The preceding text sets forth a detailed description of
numerous different embodiments of the invention, it should be
understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the
words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The
detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does
not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since
describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not
impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,
using either current technology or technology developed after the
filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope
of the claims defining the invention.
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